7 civilians, fighters killed in new Ukraine unrest as cease-fire continues to crumble

KIEV, Ukraine – Ukrainian government and rebel officials say seven people have been killed over the last day of fighting between armed forces and separatists.

The regional government of Luhansk, which is loyal to Kiev, said Wednesday that one civilian and one soldier were killed in mortar and grenade attacks.

Rebels say three civilians were killed in the city of Horlivka, which is under their control. Separatist emergency workers said a man and child died after their home was struck by shells. A woman and two children were pulled alive from the rubble.

Separatists say two fighters were also killed in fighting.

Shelling diminished following a February cease-fire deal, but fighting has worsened in recent weeks. Ukrainian authorities say around 8,600 civilians and soldiers have died in the conflict that began last year.